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Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026
National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and
Restoration (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage)
Competitive Grant Program
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Application Opening Date: June 2, 2026
Application Closing Date: July 20, 2026

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity
National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program
Table of Contents
A.

BASIC INFORMATION.......................................................................................................3

B.

ELIGIBILITY ........................................................................................................................6

C.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION................................................................................................7

D.

APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORMAT ....................................................................9

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE ..................................................... 11
F.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ...................................................................12

G. AWARD NOTICES .............................................................................................................22
H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ...................................23

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A. BASIC INFORMATION
The applicant should read this notice in its entirety for the information necessary to submit
eligible and competitive applications.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal
Federal Agency Name1
Highway Administration (FHWA)
Funding Opportunity Title

National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and
Restoration (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage
(Culvert AOP)) Competitive Grant Program

Announcement Type

This is a new Notice of Funding Opportunity
(NOFO), replacing the NOFO published on June
25, 2024.

Funding Opportunity Number

XXXXX (Will be generated by Grant Solutions)

Assistance Listing Number(s)

20.276

Funding Details

This NOFO will award up to $800 million in Fiscal
Years (FY) 2023 through 2026 funding via cost
reimbursable grants. DOT may also award any
remaining and available funds from FY 2022 under
this opportunity.
The actual amount available to be awarded under
this notice will be subject to the availability of
funds.
There is no minimum or maximum award amount
for the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program
awards.

Key Dates

Application Due Date: 07/20/2026 at 11:59 PM
Eastern Time.
FHWA anticipates announcing award selections
under this NOFO the last week of August, 2026.
For information on upcoming NOFO webinars
please visit the Culvert AOP Program Website.

1

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) may also award and
administer projects selected for funding under this opportunity. Procedures for grant administration may vary based
on the DOT Operating Administration administering the grant.

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Executive Summary

The purpose of the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant
Program is to provide funding to eligible entities
for the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts
or weirs that meaningfully improve or restore fish
passage for anadromous fish. Anadromous fish are
born in freshwater and spend most of their lives in
saltwater, returning to freshwater to spawn. Salmon
are a well-known example of anadromous fish.
Eligible applicants under the Culvert AOP
Competitive Grant Program are:
• States 2
• Units of local government3
• Indian Tribes4
Projects eligible for funding are projects for the
replacement, removal, or repair of culverts or weirs
that: (1) would meaningfully improve or restore
fish passage for anadromous fish; and (2) with
respect to weirs, may include (A) infrastructure to
facilitate fish passage around or over the weir; and
(B) weir improvements (49 United States Code
(U.S.C.) § 6703(b)).
Eligible applicants may bundle two or more eligible
projects; however, each project in the bundle must
individually meet the eligibility criteria detailed in
the NOFO.
The Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program
requires a minimum cost share of 20% except for
federally recognized Tribes, which are not required
to provide a cost share. States and units of local
government who do not provide at least the
minimum non-Federal cost share will be classified
as ineligible.

2

This NOFO uses the definition of “State” at 2 CFR § 200.1.

3

This NOFO uses the definition of “unit of local government” at 2 CFR § 200.1.

4

For the purpose of this program and as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304), Indian Tribe means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or
community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which is recognized as
eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as
Indians [49 U.S.C. § 6703(a)].

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Agency Contact Information

Changes from Prior NOFO

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Mail Stop: W53-481
Washington, D.C. 20590
Attn: Gregory Danis
Email: [email protected]
• Removed references to rescinded Executive
orders (E.O.).
• Aligned the NOFO with current E.O.s and
current administration priorities.
• Updated application evaluation criteria.
• Changed the use of the application template
from optional to mandatory.
• Opens a new application period for FYs 2023
through 2026 funding.
Applicants who applied for FY 2023 funding
under the FY 2023 through 2026 Culvert AOP
Competitive Grant Program NOFO published
on June 25, 2024, must update and resubmit
their application using the NOFO Application
Template associated with this NOFO to be
considered for funding. Awards will not be
made under the previous NOFO.

B. ELIGIBILITY
1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
See Section A for a list of eligible applicants.
Multiple entities submitting a joint application should identify a lead applicant as the primary
point of contact (POC) and recipient for purposes of financial administration of the project. The
lead applicant must be an eligible entity. Joint applications should include a description of the
roles and responsibilities of each applicant and should be signed by each applicant.

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2. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ELIGIBILITY
Eligible projects must have a surface transportation nexus5 (e.g., involve, relate to, or be situated
in close proximity to a road/rail crossing, pipeline, highway, or other surface transportation
infrastructure).
Applicants are advised that DOT will continue to screen projects for eligibility throughout the
application review process described in Section F.
3. COST SHARING
See Section A for applications that do not provide at least the minimum non-Federal cost share
of 20 percent will be determined ineligible.
Cost sharing means the portion of the project’s cost not paid for with Federal funds. Non-Federal
sources of income include State funds originating from programs funded by State revenue or
local revenue funding programs, or private funds. DOT will not consider previously incurred
costs or previously expended or encumbered funds toward the matching requirements for any
project. Additional information on non-Federal matching requirements can be found at:
https://www.transportation.gov/grants/dot-navigator/understanding-non-federal-matchrequirements.
4. OTHER
Applications determined to be late, duplicates of applications submitted for the same round of
applications, or incomplete applications will not be reviewed under this funding opportunity.
Project sponsors who deliver projects below the grant agreement’s budget amount should be
rewarded for their effective management of taxpayer funds. Therefore, projects delivered as
defined in a grant agreement with project cost savings (actual incurred costs below the approved
grant agreement budget) may use project cost savings, with FHWA approval:
•
•

to fund eligible project elements within the scope of the project defined in the grant
agreement that were not funded through the award, up to the allowable Federal share, or
to fund “Bonus Activities”, which are construction activities outside the scope of the
project defined in the grant agreement. These construction activities must be related to
the awarded project, must be eligible for the program, and must result in a usable
transportation product that complies with all applicable Federal regulations.

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A project involves, is related to, or is situated in close proximity to a road/rail crossing, pipeline, highway, or other
transportation infrastructure (see NOFO Section B.4). Generally, the transportation nexus should be a part of a
public or Tribal transportation network.

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“Bonus Activities” must be briefly summarized in the project application. FHWA will
preliminarily review the eligibility of “Bonus Activities” during application evaluations, but they
will not be factored into the award selection process.
FHWA will determine, upon written request of the recipient, whether project cost savings may
be used by the applicant, the amount that may be used, and the eligibility of “Bonus Activities”
when construction of the awarded project is substantially complete. The written request must
provide sufficient detail for FHWA to consider the eligibility of “Bonus Activities” and must
include the scope, schedule and budget for the work. Recipients must receive FHWA
authorization to proceed before starting any additional work with project cost savings.
5. APPLICATION LIMIT
There is no limitation on the number of applications an applicant may submit. If submitting more
than one application, indicate the funding priority of each application on the application cover
page. DOT is not required to consider the applicant’s funding priority when making selections.
C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1. PROGRAM PURPOSE
The purpose of the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program is to fund surface transportation
culvert and weir projects that will meaningfully improve or restore passage for anadromous fish.
2. PROGRAM GOALS AND ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES
The primary goal of the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program is to improve or restore
anadromous 6 fish passage through the replacement, removal, repair, or improvement of culverts
or weirs. The grant program prioritizes projects that would improve fish passage for: (A)
anadromous fish stocks listed as an endangered species or a threatened species under Section 4
of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C. § 1533); (B) anadromous fish stocks
identified by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) that could reasonably become listed7 as an endangered species or a threatened
species under Section 4 of the ESA; (C) anadromous fish stocks identified by the NMFS or the
USFWS as prey for endangered species, threatened species, or protected species 8, including
southern resident orcas (Orcinus orca); or (D) anadromous fish stocks identified by the NMFS or

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Anadromous describes fish born in freshwater who spend most of their lives in saltwater and return to freshwater
to spawn. Target fish species under this funding opportunity are those native species that spend a portion of their
lives in the ocean or estuaries and migrate to their freshwater spawning habitats to reproduce. Species of
anadromous fish include salmon, steelhead trout, shad, river herring, lamprey, and sturgeon, among others. These
species may also be referred to as sea-run. See: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/node/8071
7
Species proposed for listing under Section 4 of the ESA or are a candidate for listing under Section 4 of the ESA.
8
A protected species under Federal statute or regulation.

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the USFWS as climate resilient stocks 9 (49 U.S.C. § 6703(e)(1)). The program also prioritizes
projects that would open up more than 200 meters of upstream (anadromous) habitat (49 U.S.C.
§ 6703(e)(2)).
Applicants are encouraged to visit this website for key program definitions and terms: Culvert
AOP Definitions
DOT seeks to fund projects advancing the priorities of the Trump Administration as described in
DOT’s mission statement and across E.O.s. DOT intends to apply principles from DOT Order
2100.7, (Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and
Activities) when evaluating applications and making award selections. Such principles include
maximizing, to the extent practicable, relevant, appropriate, and consistent with law, benefits for
families and communities. These benefits may include, but are not limited to, economic
opportunities, increased access to jobs and commercial activities; or project components that
alleviate poverty, enhance safety, and primarily benefit families and communities by improving
their quality of life, raising standards of living, or enabling full participation in our economy.
DOT will prioritize projects that mitigate the unique impacts of DOT programs, policies, and
activities on families and communities.
Section F of this NOFO describes the process for selecting projects furthering the goals and
priorities for this program and the administration. Section H describes progress and performance
reporting requirements for selected projects, including the relationship between reporting and the
program’s selection criteria.
3. PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION AND FUNDING
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021) appropriated
$200 million annually for FY 2022 through 2026 to be awarded under the Culvert AOP
Competitive Grant Program.
This NOFO includes funding of up to $800 million in FYs 2023 through 2026 funding. DOT
may also award any remaining and available funds from FY 2022 under this opportunity.
Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program funds are available until expended. This program does
not have an obligation deadline nor an expenditure deadline.
This NOFO is subject to the availability of funding. The Government’s obligation under any
resulting award is contingent upon the availability of funding. There is no legal liability on the
part of the Government for any payment that may arise until funds are available and obligated to
an award. DOT is not obligated to make any award as a result of this notice.
4. AWARD SIZE

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Fish stocks capable of resisting, recovering, and adapting to changes in environmental conditions such as increases
in stream temperature or changes in flow.

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There is no minimum or maximum award amount for the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant
Program awards.
5. TYPE OF AWARD
The anticipated award(s) will be cost-reimbursable grant agreements. See Section G for
additional information on cost reimbursement.
6. PERFORMANCE GOALS
See Section H for details on performance reporting requirements and goals.
7. PREVIOUS AWARDS
Previous program awards can be reviewed at
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/culverthyd/aquatic/culvertaop_archivalmaterials.cfm.
8. BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS
Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to domestic preference requirements. See
Section H of this NOFO for additional details. Applicants can also refer to the FHWA
Construction Program Guide for more information about addressing FHWA’s Buy America
requirements and Build America Buy America (BABA) requirements.
D. APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORMAT
1. APPLICATION FORMAT
All applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov.
Application files should be single-spaced, 12-point standard font (e.g., Times New Roman), with
1-inch margins. Files should be in PDF unless otherwise specified (e.g., Excel based forms and
location files such as Shapefile or KML/KMZ).
DOT recommends applicants use a file naming format of: “[Applicant organization#]-2026Culvert AOP” where “Applicant organization” reflects the applicant’s legal name, abbreviated as
appropriate, and where “#” represents the order of applicant priority for the grant, if more than
one application is submitted. If necessary, the workspace title can be edited per the instructions
on Grants.gov.
The application package must consist of the following:
All Project Types

Non-Construction
Projects-Only

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Construction
Projects-Only

Standard Form (SF) 424 (Application
for Federal Assistance)
Grants.gov Lobbying Form
(Certification Regarding Lobbying)

SF-424A (Budget
Information for NonConstruction Projects)
SF-424B (Assurances for
Non-Construction
Programs)

SF-424C (Budget
Information for
Construction Projects)
SF-424D (Assurances for
Construction Programs)

SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying
Activities form)
The Culvert AOP Competitive Grant
Program Application Template
(see Section D.2) must be added as an
attachment to item 15 of the SF-424.
This notice contains collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction
Act. This information collection is pending review by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). The use of SFs 424, 424A, 424B, 424C, 424D, and SF-LLL has been approved by
OMB.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to
the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
2. APPLICATION CONTENT
Standard Forms
All mandatory SFs of the 424 family are available for download at
https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family.
For more information on SF, please see: Culvert AOP Program information on Standard Forms.
The Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program Application Template
Applicants must complete the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program Application Template
and include it as an attachment to Item 15 of their SF-424. The Application Template should
provide all information necessary for DOT to determine that the project satisfies the eligibility
requirements described in Section B and to evaluate the criteria specified in Section F.
DOT will only review the completed Application Template and the allowable supplemental
documents (e.g., budget, schedule, design plans, etc.) specified within the Application Template
instructions.
Specific to bundled projects, applicants should indicate within their response to readiness criteria
the potential impacts to delivery timeframes if the projects were unbundled.

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The application must provide a budget for the project, either within the Application Template
itself, or as an attachment. The budget must list the amount and percent of both the Federal
funding requested and any additional non-Federal funds, if any, to be used to pay for the project.
The Application Template can be found on Grants.gov.
3. SHARING OF APPLICATION INFORMATION
DOT may share application information within DOT or with other Federal Agencies if DOT
determines that such sharing is relevant to the respective program’s goals.
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE
1. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE
Applicants may obtain application forms, including the Application Template, on Grants.gov
under the Funding Opportunity Number under Section A.
Once at Grants.gov, select the Search Grants tab. Then enter one of the following:
•
•
•

Opportunity Number: XXXXX (Will be generated by Grant Solutions);
Opportunity Name: Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026 National Culvert Removal,
Replacement, and Restoration (Culvert AOP) Competitive Grant Program; and
Assistance Listing Number: 20.276.

Select the opportunity option, which will open to a page with several tabs. The first tab is a
synopsis of the Opportunity. Select the Application Package tab to download the forms needed to
submit FYs 2023 through 2026 Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program application. The
applicant must complete and submit all forms included in the application package for this notice,
as contained at Grants.gov.
Should applicants have any difficulties in accessing any SFs and require paper copies, please
contact the Agency Contact provided in Section A of this NOFO.
2. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
Each applicant must:
•
•
•

Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov before
submitting its application;
Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier in its application; and
Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all
times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration
by a Federal Agency.

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Please note the SAM registration process takes several weeks to complete, if not longer.
3. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. The Department does not
accept applications via mail, fax machine, email, or other means. Additional resources on
applying through Grants.gov can be found at https://www.grants.gov/applicants.
4. SUBMISSION DEADLINE
FYs 2023 through 2026 Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program applications must be
submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM ET on July 20, 2026. Grants.gov attaches a time
stamp to each application at the time submission is complete.
5. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
Only applicants who comply with all submission deadlines described in this notice and
electronically submit valid, on-time applications through Grants.gov will be eligible for
evaluation and possible selection for award.
To the extent practicable, applicants should provide supporting data and documentation in a form
directly verifiable by DOT. DOT may, but is not required to, contact applicants for the purpose
of clarifying application information. DOT will not request additional information for
applications submitted in an incomplete form.
6. SUBMISSION ISSUES
For information on submission issues and more information on late applications, please see:
Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program submission issues information.
7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW
This program is not subject to E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.
8. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
DOT encourages applicants to submit documents compliant with Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (see Section 508 guidelines).
F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. MERIT CRITERIA
DOT will evaluate applications submitted in response to this notice using the following merit
criteria: Conservation Benefits to Anadromous Fish, Regional & Watershed Benefits Supporting
American Families & Economy, Ecosystem Benefits, and Project Design and Performance

12

Prioritizing Core Infrastructure. The ratings for each merit criterion will also be assigned a label
of Highly Responsive, Responsive, or Non-Responsive. These will be used at the conclusion of
the merit criteria evaluation to assign the application an overall merit criteria rating.
Criterion #1: Conservation Benefits to Anadromous Fish. DOT will evaluate the extent to
which the project will meaningfully benefit anadromous fish as described in the table below. The
applicant should provide available data (qualitative or quantitative) or evidence supporting the
proposed project’s conservation benefits.
Merit Criteria
Criterion 1: Conservation Benefits to
Anadromous Fish.
Objectives:

Highly Responsive Responsive
Non-Responsive
The application
The application
The application
demonstrates how the demonstrates how meets one or none
project will meet all the project will meet of the objectives.
three objectives of
at least two of the
A. The project contributes to the
this criterion.
three objectives of
recovery or sustainability of federally
this criterion.
protected or at-risk anadromous
species and habitats including
anadromous species representing an
important resource for other federally
protected species.
B. The project conforms with a written
recovery, management, or State or
Tribal planning or prioritization
document.
C. The project improves habitat
availability for the target anadromous
species by increasing the extent and
quality of accessible spawning,
rearing, and migratory habitats.

Criterion #2: Regional & Watershed Benefits Supporting American Families & Economy.
DOT will evaluate the extent to which the project advances regional and watershed-scale
priorities for anadromous fish. DOT will also evaluate the extent to which the project bolsters
local and regional economic competitiveness, enhances recreational harvest opportunities and
related tourism, and delivers benefits to American families. The application should describe how
the proposed project contributes to a holistic watershed conservation or recovery strategy; aligns
with any Federal, State, local, or Tribal watershed or fish and wildlife plans or prioritization
efforts; and, where applicable, its priority within those plans.
Although inclusion in an existing watershed plan or prioritization list can help demonstrate
regional alignment, it is not required. If the project is not part of an existing plan, the applicant
should provide qualitative or quantitative data or other evidence demonstrating the project’s
value within the broader regional or watershed context, including how anticipated ecological
improvements support economic opportunity and reinvestment in American families.

13

Merit Criteria
Criterion 2: Regional & Watershed Benefits
Supporting American Families & Economy
Objectives:
A.

B.

C.

D.

Highly Responsive Responsive
The application
The application
demonstrates how demonstrates how
the project will
the project will
meet three of the meet objectives
The application demonstrates the project’s four objectives of either A or B and
importance to a regional watershed or the this criterion.
either C or D.
project’s support of anadromous fish
conservation and restoration strategies.
The application describes how the project
fits within and will advance an existing
watershed strategy, including any regional
watershed plan or prioritization
established by a Federal, State, local, or
Tribal fish and wildlife agency.
The project promotes Economic
Competitiveness through the restoration of
anadromous fish stocks supporting
commercial or tourism through improving
or restoring recreational harvest or
sustaining regional economic activity tied
to healthy fisheries.
The project expands access to traditional
food sources or reducing food insecurity
for rural and Tribal communities.

Non-Responsive
The application
does not
demonstrate how
the project will
meet objectives
either A or B and
either C or D.

Criterion #3: Ecosystem Benefits. DOT will evaluate the extent to which the project will
benefit the ecosystem in support of anadromous fish species. The application should describe
how the proposed project would improve key physical, chemical, and biological processes
responsible for sustaining riverine and floodplain ecosystems (e.g., sediment transport, woody
debris movement, floodplain connectivity, plant growth and succession, nutrient and thermal
dynamics, and nutrient cycling in the aquatic food web), and benefits other native aquatic and
terrestrial species beyond anadromous fish, as other species may act as a food source for
anadromous species or may be indicators of the overall health of anadromous fish habitats.
Applicants should provide available data or evidence (qualitative or quantitative) supporting the
proposed ecosystem benefits.
Merit Criteria
Highly Responsive
Responsive
Non-Responsive
Criterion 3: Ecosystem Benefits. The application
The application
The application
Objectives:
demonstrates how the
demonstrates how the does not
project will meet both
project will meet one demonstrate how
A. The project improves key
objectives of this criterion. of the two objectives the project will
physical, chemical, and
of this criterion.
meet either
biological riverine and
objective.
floodplain ecosystem
processes.

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B. The project benefits other
native aquatic and terrestrial
species, in addition to
anadromous fish.
Criterion #4: Project Design, Performance, and Addressing Core Infrastructure.
DOT will evaluate the extent to which the proposed project’s design, monitoring, and evaluation
will improve anadromous fish passage while maintaining public safety and strengthening core
infrastructure. Applications should clearly state the project goals in support of anadromous fish
passage, should describe how the methodologies are sound for supporting anadromous fish
passage, and should describe how the completed project will deliver technically sound, lasting
and significant anadromous fish passage benefits.
In alignment with the Administration’s priority to address core infrastructure needs, the
application should demonstrate how the project would improve the condition, safety, and
resiliency of the transportation facility.
The application should describe the design standards to be used, anticipated performance over
the transportation infrastructure’s service life, and any resiliency benefits that may be gained.
The application should also present an adequate monitoring and evaluation plan with measurable
goals and objectives to assess project performance. Those projects not proceeding to construction
will be evaluated on a monitoring and evaluation approach commensurate with their delivery
phase.
Merit Criteria
Criterion 4: Project Design,
Performance, and Addressing
Core Infrastructure.
Objectives:

Highly Responsive
Responsive
Non-Responsive
The application
The application
The application does
demonstrates how the demonstrates how the not demonstrate how
project will meet all project will meet at
the project will meet at
three objectives of this least one objective of least one objective of
criterion.
this criterion.
this criterion.

A. Anadromous fish passage
project goals are included in the
application, and the application
describes sound methodologies
that support anadromous fish
passage.
B. The project will include a
technically adequate monitoring
and evaluation approach.
C. The project improves or plans
to improve the condition, safety,
and resiliency of the
transportation facility.

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MERIT CRITERIA RATINGS
Based on the assessment described in Section F.1 above, DOT will assign a merit criteria rating
as shown in the table below.
Merit Criteria Rating
High
Medium
Low

Description
At least three of four merit criteria are rated Highly Responsive, and
one merit criterion is rated Responsive
All merit criteria are rated at least Responsive
Any of the merit criteria are rated Non-Responsive

PROJECT READINESS ASSESSMENT
To assess the likelihood of a successful project, DOT will consider project readiness for eligible
applications receiving a medium or higher merit criteria rating.
For the project readiness assessment, DOT will consider three evaluation ratings: Technical
Assessment, Financial Completeness Assessment, and Permitting Risk Assessment. DOT will
use information from the project readiness assessment portion of the application, as well as
information contained throughout the application, to complete the project readiness assessment.
The ratings for each project readiness assessment criterion will also be assigned a numerical
label. These will be used at the conclusion of the project readiness assessment to assign the
application an overall readiness rating.
Readiness: Technical Assessment
The Technical Assessment will evaluate the applicant’s capacity to successfully deliver the
project in compliance with applicable Federal requirements and will also assess the technical
feasibility of the project as described in the application. Technical Assessment ratings will be
one of the following: Certain (3), Somewhat Certain (2), or Unknown or Uncertain (1), as
defined in the table below.

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Technical Assessment ratings will be based on:
Rating

Certain (3)

Somewhat certain (2)

Unknown or
uncertain (1)
Technical Assessment
The application
The application
The application does
Elements:
demonstrates that demonstrates that the
not demonstrate that
the applicant and applicant and project will the applicant or
A. The applicant has the
project will meet all meet Technical
project will meet
resources to deliver the
four Technical
Assessment Elements B, Technical
project.
Assessment
C, and D, and may not Assessment
B. The project will comply with Elements.
currently have the
Elements B, C, and
all applicable Federal
resources to deliver the D, and may not
requirements.
project but will obtain the currently have the
C. The applicant demonstrates a
needed resources to
resources to deliver
commitment to timely project
deliver the project if
the project and does
delivery, as demonstrated by
awarded.
not commit to
the schedule information in
obtaining the
the application.
necessary resources.
D. The applicant demonstrates
the technical feasibility of the
project.
Readiness: Financial Completeness Assessment
The Financial Completeness Assessment evaluates the availability of matching funds and
whether the applicant presented a complete funding package and will receive a rating of
Complete (3), Partially Complete (2), or Incomplete (1), as defined in the table below.
Financial Completeness Assessment ratings will be based on:
Rating
Financial Completeness
Assessment Elements:

Complete (3)
Partially Complete (2) Incomplete (1)
The application
The application
The application does
demonstrates that the demonstrates that the not demonstrate that
applicant and project applicant and project the applicant or project
A. The application includes will meet Financial will meet Financial will meet Financial
complete funding
Completeness
Completeness
Completeness
estimates based on
Elements A, B, and C; Elements A and C. Elements A or C; or
recent stages of design and for construction However, while a
the application does
(or for non-construction projects, will also
plan for cost overruns not demonstrate that
projects, proposal
meet Element D.
is provided, it is
the applicant or project
development).
incomplete or based will meet Elements B
B. The application includes
on approaches or
or D, or the methods
a plan to address
funding sources not or funding sources for
potential cost overruns.
reasonably assumed B or D, are not
available to the
reasonably assumed
17

C. The application
demonstrates reasonable
availability of all
funding needed to
complete the project
with an award.
D. For construction
projects, the proposal
includes information on
how future operation,
maintenance, and
preservation costs will
be funded.

applicant; or for
available to the
construction projects, applicant.
the funding described
for future operation,
maintenance, or
preservation costs is
not reasonably
assumed available to
the applicant.

Readiness: Permitting Risk Assessment
The Permitting Risk assessment evaluates the status of the environmental approvals required for
the proposed project and the likelihood that other necessary approvals, permits, or public
engagement will affect the project obligation. The applicant must also disclose if there is open
litigation concerning the project, or if there is a known and difficult to resolve public
controversy, or Agency opposition to the project on environmental grounds. This assessment will
result in a rating of High Risk (1), Moderate Risk (2), or Low Risk (3), as defined in the table
below.
Permitting ratings will be based on:
Rating
Permitting Risk
Assessment Elements:

Low Risk (3)
Moderate Risk (2)
High Risk (1)
The application
The application
The application
demonstrates that the demonstrates that the indicates risk as
project will meet
project will meet
described in
A. The National
Permitting Risk
Permitting Risk
Permitting Risk
Environmental Policy Elements A, B, and C, Elements A, B, and C, Element D; or the
Act (NEPA) review is but does not have any but there is a risk of application does not
complete, or the
known unmitigated
schedule delay
meet Elements A, B,
application
risks to project
because either:
or C.
demonstrates NEPA
delivery as shown in • an Environmental
will be complete in time Element D.
Assessment (EA)
to meet the project
or Environmental
schedule.
Impact Statement
B. All necessary permits
(EIS) is needed,
have been obtained, or
and the NEPA
the application
document has not
demonstrates permits
been released for
and approvals will be
public review;
obtained in time to meet
• permit work has
the project schedule.
not started, and
18

C. Public engagement has
occurred or will occur,
and any known public
controversy has been or
will be addressed or
mitigated.
D. The application
discloses any known
and unmitigated issues
posing high risk to
project delivery.
Examples include
litigation, known public
controversy, or Agency
opposition to the project
on environmental
grounds.

the schedule does
not include time
for schedule
delays; or
• public engagement
has not started,
and the schedule
does not include
time to address
public input; and
• the project or
program does not
have any known
unmitigated risks
to project delivery
as shown in
Element D.

The Project Readiness Ratings described above will be translated to a High, Medium, or
Low rating using the table below:
Project Readiness Rating
High
Medium
Low

Description
At least two 3s, one 2
One 3, two 2s
All 2s or any 1s

OVERALL RATING OF THE APPLICATION
DOT will assign each eligible application an overall rating of Highly Recommended,
Recommended, or Not Recommended. The rating will be assigned on the following basis:
A rating of Highly Recommended will be assigned to an application that:
•

Received no less than a High rating for both merit criteria and project readiness.

A rating of Recommended will be assigned to an application that:
•

Received no less than a Medium rating for both merit criteria and project readiness.

A rating of Not Recommended will be assigned to an application that:
•

Received a Low rating for either merit criteria or project readiness.

STATUTORY AND DOT PRIORITY CONSIDERATIONS

19

After completing the merit criteria review and project readiness assessment, among projects of
similar application rating of Highly Recommended or Recommended, DOT will first prioritize
projects based on the statutory priority considerations, then by one or more of the DOT priority
considerations as described below:
Statutory Priority Considerations:
Based on 49 U.S.C. § 6703(e), in making grants, DOT shall give priority to the following for
applications of like rating:
•

Projects that would improve fish passage for:
o Anadromous fish stocks listed as an endangered species or a threatened species
under Section 4 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1533);
o Anadromous fish stocks identified by the Undersecretary or the Director that
could reasonably become listed as an endangered species or a threatened species
under Section 4 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1533);
o Anadromous fish stocks identified by the Undersecretary or the Director as prey
for endangered species, threatened species, or protected species, including
Southern resident orcas (Orcinus orcas); or
o Anadromous fish stocks identified by the Undersecretary or the Director as
climate resilient stocks.

•

Projects that would open up more than 200 meters of upstream habitat before the end of
the natural habitat.

DOT Priority Considerations:
After completing the merit criteria review, project readiness assessment, and applying the
statutory priority considerations among projects of similar merit, DOT may prioritize selections
based on one or more of the considerations described below.
•
•
•
•
•
•

DOT may provide awards to applications receiving a high readiness rating.
DOT may prioritize projects meeting both of the statutory prioritization criteria noted
above.
DOT may provide awards to projects supporting the Administration’s focus on
Reinvesting in the American Family by expanding access to traditional food sources or
reducing food insecurity for rural and Tribal communities.
DOT may provide awards to projects supporting the Administration’s Economic
Competitiveness priority by promoting the productive harvest of our seafood resources.
DOT may provide awards to projects supporting the Administration’s Innovation and
Core Infrastructure policy priorities through deployment of innovative and emerging
technologies enhancing or maintaining the safety of the travelling public.
DOT may provide awards to a broad range of eligible recipients rather than to a select
group of repeat players.

20

The applicant should support how the project may meet these selection considerations within
their application.
REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
DOT will review applications received by the deadline for completeness and eligibility based on
the information found in Section B of this notice. This review phase is referred to as the intake
and eligibility review. Applications that pass the intake and eligibility review will be evaluated
by the Technical Review Team (TRT), and once evaluated and rated, will then be evaluated by
the Senior Review Team (SRT), to determine which applications are presented to DOT
Leadership for final selection, as described below.
Technical Review
The evaluation of eligible applications will be conducted by a TRT, comprised of DOT and
interagency staff, including FHWA employees from divisions and Headquarters, other DOT
modal administration staff, or contractors. In alignment with 49 U.S.C. § 6703(d-e), staff from
USFWS and NMFS may also serve on the TRT and assist in application evaluations. The TRT
will evaluate each application passing the initial intake and eligibility review against the merit
criteria in Section F. The TRT will also determine whether the project would meaningfully
improve or restore anadromous fish passage as required by 49 U.S.C. § 6703(b)(1) based on
responses to the merit criteria. The TRT will then complete the project readiness assessment as
described under Section F to determine which applications are rated as Highly Recommended,
Recommended, or Not Recommended.
The TRT will then evaluate each Highly Recommended and Recommended application for its
responsiveness to the statutory priority considerations and the DOT priority considerations. The
TRT will send the FHWA SRT information on all eligible applications, including the rating for
each merit criterion, the project readiness assessment rating, and the evaluation of responsiveness
to the Statutory Priority Considerations and the DOT priority consideration.
Senior Review
FHWA SRT may consist of officials from the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST),
the FHWA Administrator, and others in senior leadership positions requested to serve by the
FHWA Administrator. FHWA SRT will determine which projects advance to DOT Leadership
for final selection. DOT Leadership has the discretion to determine which applications best
address the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program merit criteria, project readiness
assessment, and selection considerations and should be selected. DOT is not obligated to make
any award as a result of this NOFO.
DOT intends to apply principles from DOT Order 2100.7, (Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound
Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities) when evaluating applications
and making award selections. To the maximum extent permitted by law, DOT will prioritize
projects in alignment with the principles outlined in DOT Order 2100.7.
Reduced Awards
21

In accordance with Section D of this NOFO, DOT may enter into discussions with an applicant
to discuss, if mutually agreeable, a lesser scaled amount of a potential award. This may occur
because of the quantity, size and scope of the applications received in response to this notice and
the results of the application review process.
6. APPLICANT RISK ASSESSMENT
Prior to award, each selected applicant will be subject to a risk assessment required by 2 Code of
Federal Regulation (CFR) § 200.206. DOT must review and consider any information about the
applicant in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. An
applicant may review information in SAM.gov and comment on any information about itself that
a Federal awarding Agency previously entered. DOT will consider comments by the applicant, in
addition to other information in SAM.gov, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity,
business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the risk
assessment. DOT reserves the right to deny an award based on the results of the risk assessment
or include special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the
Federal award in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.206.
DOT will consider the following factors in its risk assessment in accordance with 2 CFR
§ 200.206:
•
•
•

•

Financial stability — The applicant's record of effectively managing financial risks,
assets, and resources;
Management systems and standards — The quality of management systems and ability to
meet the management standards prescribed in this part;
History of performance, (if applicable) — The applicant's record of managing previous
and current Federal awards, including compliance with reporting requirements and
conformance to the terms and conditions of Federal awards, if applicable; audit reports
and findings — reports and findings from audits performed under subpart F or the reports
and findings of any other available audits, if applicable; and
Ability to effectively implement requirements — The applicant's ability to effectively
implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on recipients of Federal
awards.

G. AWARD NOTICES
1. HOW PROJECT SELECTIONS ARE ANNOUNCED
Following the evaluation outlined in Section F, DOT will announce awarded projects by posting
a list of selected projects at:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/culverthyd/aquatic/2022recipients.cfm. Notice
of selection is not authorization to begin performance or to incur costs for the proposed project.
Following the announcement, DOT will contact the POC listed in the SF-424 to initiate
negotiation of the project agreement for authorization.

22

The Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program will be awarded upon the execution of a grant
agreement between DOT and the recipient. The determination of which DOT modal
administration will administer the grant will occur after selections are announced.
Unsuccessful applicants may request a debriefing up to 90 days after the selected funding
recipients are publicly announced. The request must be submitted by the applicant identified on
the SF-424. The debrief will be limited to how the application responded to the grant program
evaluation criteria described in Section F of the NOFO. All debrief requests should be submitted
to [email protected].
2. REIMBURSEMENTS AND COSTS INCURRED PRIOR TO AWARD AND
OBLIGATION OF GRANTS
Unless authorized by DOT in writing after announcement of the FYs 2023 through 2026 Culvert
AOP Competitive Grant Program selections, any costs incurred prior to DOT’s obligation of
funds for a project are ineligible for reimbursement and are ineligible for cost share
requirements. DOT will primarily administer grants on a reimbursement basis. Under the
reimbursement approach, DOT funds will reimburse recipients only for costs incurred after
execution of a grant agreement for costs DOT determines to be allowable, reasonable, and
allocable, as defined under 2 CFR Part 200, and after the recipient submits valid requests for
reimbursement.
If a recipient cannot complete a project on a reimbursable basis, DOT will – on a case-by-case
basis – consider recipient requests to use alternative payment methods as described under 2 CFR
200.305(b).
H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

1. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS
Administrative Requirements
All awards will be administered pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal awards found in 2 CFR Part 200, as adopted by
DOT at 2 CFR Part 1201. Applicable Federal laws, rules, and regulations set forth in Title 49 of
the CFR, shall apply to awards provided under this program.
In connection with any program or activity conducted with or benefiting from funds awarded
under this notice, recipients of funds must comply with all applicable requirements of Federal
law, including, without limitation, the Constitution of the United States; the conditions of
performance, non-discrimination requirements, and other assurances made applicable to the
award of funds in accordance with regulations of DOT and FHWA; and applicable Federal
financial assistance and contracting principles promulgated by OMB. In complying with these
requirements, recipients must ensure that no concession agreements are denied, or other
contracting decisions made on the basis of speech or other activities protected by the First
Amendment. If DOT determines a recipient has failed to comply with applicable Federal

23

requirements, DOT may terminate the award of funds and disallow previously incurred costs,
requiring the recipient to reimburse any expended award funds.
Program Requirements
Critical Infrastructure Security, Cybersecurity and Resilience
It is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and resilience of its critical
infrastructure against all threats and hazards, including physical and cyber risks, consistent with
National Security Memorandum 22, to secure and enhance the resilience of United States critical
infrastructure. Each applicant selected for Federal funding must demonstrate, prior to the signing
of the grant agreement, an effort to consider and address physical and cyber security risks
relevant to the transportation mode and type and scale of the project. Projects that have not
appropriately considered and addressed physical and cyber security and resilience in their
planning, design, and project oversight, as determined by DOT and the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security, will be required to do so before receiving funds.
Domestic Preference Requirements
As expressed in E.O.s 14005, Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s
Workers (86 FR 7475), the executive branch should maximize, consistent with law, the use of
goods, products, and materials produced, and services offered in the United States. Funds made
available under this notice are subject to FHWA’s steel, iron, and manufactured product
domestic requirements at 23 U.S.C. 313 and 23 CFR 635.410, and the construction materials
domestic preference requirement at Pub. L. No 117-58, div. G §§ 70901–70927, as implemented
by OMB at 2 CFR part 184. DOT expects all applicants to comply with those requirements.
Federal Anti-Discrimination
•

•

Except where prohibited by court order, pursuant to E.O. 14173, Ending Illegal
Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, as a condition of grant
award, each Recipient must agree that its compliance in all respects with all
applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the Government’s payment
decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of Title 31, U.S.C.
Except where prohibited by court order, pursuant to E.O. 14173, Ending Illegal
Discrimination and Restoring Merit- Based Opportunity, as a condition of grant
award, each Recipient must certify that it does not operate any programs promoting
diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that violate any applicable Federal antidiscrimination laws.

To the extent a court order bars the implementation or enforcement of one or more of these
provisions with respect to a particular applicant or recipient, DOT will not implement or enforce
the relevant provision(s) against that applicant or recipient for as long as the order remains in
place.
Compliance with Federal Law and Policies

24

Except where prohibited by court order, the applicant assures and certifies, with respect to any
application and awarded project under this NOFO, it will comply with all applicable Federal
laws, regulations, E.O., policies, guidelines, and requirements as they relate to the application,
acceptance, and use of Federal funds.
2. REPORTING
Each applicant selected for the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program funding must submit
semi-annual progress reports and semi-annual Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) to monitor
project progress and ensure accountability and financial transparency in the program. The
recipient's final progress and Federal Financial Reports shall be submitted within 120 days after
the termination or expiration of the grant agreement between DOT and the recipient of the
Culvert AOP grant funds.
Each Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program awardee must collect and report to DOT
information on performance measures. The performance measure for the Culvert AOP
Competitive Grant Program will be the anticipated length of habitat upstream from the project(s)
that will become available after completion of the project and grant activities.
Per the Performance and Program Evaluation statement on the FHWA Website, reserves the
right to request additional information, if deemed needed, to better understand the status of the
project. The successful applicant will provide additional financial reporting beyond the quarterly
reporting if such statements are necessary to address DOT’s Stewardship and Oversight
responsibility of the awarded grant funds. The successful applicant also agrees to allow periodic
project inspections and DOT will provide notice for such inspections.

25

Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026
National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program
Application Template
This is the Application Template for Fiscal Years (FY) 2023 through 2026 National Culvert Removal,
Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (Culvert AOP).
Submission of this Application Template is required as part of a complete application package. The
Application Template, in conjunction with the allowable attachments and standard forms, should provide
all information necessary for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway
Administration to determine if the project satisfies the eligibility requirements described in NOFO Section
B and to evaluate the criteria specified in NOFO Section F. DOT will consider applications submitted
without the completed template as incomplete and will not review the submission. DOT encourages
applicants to review the NOFO in its entirety to verify their project is eligible and includes all required
information is provided with their application.
I. SUMMARY
Project Name:
Eligible Entity Applying to Receive Federal
Funding:
Entity Type:

Project Scale:
Total Project Cost: (from all sources)
Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program
funding request:
State(s) in which the project is located:

☐ State
☐ Unit of local Government
☐ Indian Tribe
☐ Local
☐ Regional
☐ Statewide ☐ Multi-State
$
$

Lead Applicant Point of Contact
information:
Project Abstract: Summarize project work to be completed under the project and succinctly describe
how the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program funds would be used to complete the project.

Attachments: Please list any attachments to
this form, including letters of support.

II. Project Information
Expand the response blocks as necessary but limit the Project Information section of the application to a
total of three pages. [Applicants: delete instructions shown below in italic prior to submittal]
1

Project Name:

2

Location of facility
and project area:

[Instructions: Provide State and county, name of the city, town, or
jurisdiction.]

3

Waterway and
watershed:

[Instructions: Provide the waterway and watershed name and
description.]

4

Project
Coordinates:

[Instructions: Provide Latitude/Longitude. Bundled projects should
provide the coordinates of each eligible facility in the bundle.]

5

Tribal
Consideration

Is any part of the proposed project area(s) located on federally
recognized Indian Tribe lands?
☐ No ☐ Yes
If yes, provide the name of the Tribal lands:

6

Public or Private
Parties:

7

Lead Applicant
Point(s) of Contact:

8

Eligible Facility
Type:

[Instructions: If other parties are involved in delivering the project,
disclose those entities and describe their role in the project. Also state
whether a private or non-private entity will receive a direct and
predictable financial benefit if the project is selected for award.]
[Instructions: Name and contact information for the State, unit of local
government, or Tribal applicant (or Lead Applicant where multiple
entities are partnering for the project)]
☐ Culvert ☐ Weir ☐ Both

9

Anadromous
Species/Stocks:

[Instructions: Provide common name(s) and scientific name(s), if
available, of the anadromous species and stocks your project proposes
to benefit by meaningfully improving or restoring fish passage]

10 Project Background [Instructions: Provide a concise overview of the project scope including
the broad conservation context. Also note any key project planning and
design activities that have occurred, and a description of any previously
incurred costs.]

2

III. Budget and Funding
1

Program Request
Amount:

Exact Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program request amount in yearof-expenditure dollars: $____________

2

Other Federal
Funding:

Estimated total of other Federal funding, excluding Culvert AOP
Competitive Grant Program requested funding, in year-of-expenditure
dollars: $_________
Other Federal programs and estimated amounts: (add lines as needed)
Program: _________________Amount: ____________

3

Future Project
Cost:

Provide the sum of Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program request,
other Federal funds, and non-Federal funds as an estimate in year-ofexpenditure dollars: $____________

4

Previously incurred [Instruction: If costs have already been incurred for the project, such
project costs:
as planning or design costs, provide the total here]
Amount: $____________

5

Total Project Cost:

6

Statement of Work: [Instruction: Include a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) for the
project in sufficient detail to demonstrate the project budget is
reasonable. In addition, include a project schedule demonstrating
project delivery milestones through project close-out. As an option, the
detailed SOW and schedule can be attached, in which case note such in
this block and provide the file name].

7

Bonus Activities
[Optional: See
NOFO Section B for
more information.]

Estimate in year-of-expenditure dollars (sum of previously incurred
project costs’ and ‘future project cost): $___________

Will the applicant request approval of “Bonus Activities”, if there are
project cost savings? ☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, describe the proposed “Bonus Activities” below:
[Instruction: Briefly summarize, in a maximum of 500 words, the
“Bonus Activities” the applicant proposes to fund if there are project
cost savings. Summarizing bonus activities is optional but required if an
applicant wishes to use this possible eligibility.]

3

8

Grant Funds,
Sources and Uses of
Project Funds
(Detailed Budget):

[Instruction: Include a detailed budget or attach separately. This
budget must list the amount and percent of both the Federal funding
requested and any additional non-Federal funds, if any, that will be
used to pay for the project. Additional lines can be added. This list can
be modified as needed].
Activity:
Activity:
Activity:
Activity:

Cost:
Cost:
Cost:
Cost:

☐ A detailed budget is attached separately. The file is named:
9

Project Bundling

Bundling is the practice of combining projects to accelerate delivery,
reduce costs, and increase efficiency by combining multiple projects
into a single contract. Will bundling be used for the project?
☐ No
☐ Yes, and a detailed budget, in year of expenditure dollars, is attached
for each project in the bundle. The file is named:

IV. Merit Criteria
In the space below, describe how the project will meet the merit criteria and the associated objectives as
found in Section F of the FYs 2023 through 2026 Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program NOFO. Where
appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks as
needed but limit the length of the merit criteria section of the application to six total pages in length.
Criterion #1: Conservation Benefits to Anadromous Fish

Criterion #2: Regional & Watershed Benefits Supporting American Families & Economy

4

Criterion #3: Ecosystem Benefits

Criterion #4: Project Design and Performance Prioritizing Core Infrastructure

V. Project Readiness
In the space below, describe how the project will meet the Readiness Considerations and the associated
elements as found in Section F of the FYs 2023 through 2026 Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program
NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response
blocks as needed but limit the length of the project readiness section of the application to three total pages
in length.
Readiness: Technical Assessment

Readiness: Financial Completeness Assessment

5

Readiness: Permitting Risk Assessment

VI. Statutory and DOT Selection Priorities
In the space below, describe how the project will meet the selection priorities in Section F of the FYs 2023
through 2026 Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments
or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks, as needed, but limit the length of the
Statutory and DOT Selection Priorities section of the application to three total pages in length.
Statutory Selection Priorities
DOT Selection Priorities
Check all that apply to the project:
Check all that apply to the project (DOT will utilize
The project would improve fish passage
information in other portions of the application to
for:
determine responsiveness to the other Selection Priorities
☐ Anadromous fish listed as endangered or listed in the NOFO):
threatened under the Endangered Species ☐ The project focuses on Reinvesting in the American
Act.
Family by expanding access to traditional food sources or
reducing food insecurity for rural and Tribal communities.
☐ Anadromous fish identified by the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) ☐ The project promotes the productive harvest of our
or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
seafood resources.
(USFWS) that could reasonably become
☐ The project deploys innovative and emerging
listed as a federally endangered species or a technologies that also enhance or maintain the safety of the
threatened species.
travelling public.
☐ Anadromous fish identified by NMFS or ☐ None of the above apply to the project.
USFWS as prey for endangered species,
threatened species, or protected species,
including Southern resident orcas (Orcinus
orcas).
☐ Anadromous fish identified by NMFS or
USFWS as climate resilient stock. See
Section H.
☐ The project opens up more than 200
meters of upstream habitat for anadromous
fish before the end of the natural habitat.
☐ None of the above apply to the project.

6

Statutory Selection Priorities: Briefly describe below how the project meets the checked statutory
priorities and also provide the estimated length of upstream habitat that would be opened to
Anadromous fish from the project.

DOT Selection Priorities: Briefly describe below how the project meets the checked DOT priorities.

7